Shimano R601 Front Wheel Black

Advantages: Great Price, Great Components, Super Reliability
Disadvantages: None whatsoever

...is the introduction of the Shimano Ultegra 10spd groupset. This is only in the second year of use on this bike and I am still unsure of it's usefulness. I guess that I am just used to 9spd. I opted for the double chain ring rather than triple. I suppose a triple may be useful if you live half way up the Alpe D'Huez but West Yorshire has nice rolling countryside so a double covers all terrain! I guess if you live in Lincolnshire you might want to opt for a different cassette 11-23, but I stuck with the standard 12-25. The look of the bike is of course similar, but the 2006 model varies from the picture attached (which is the 2005 model) in that it is black, silver and blue - to match the Discovery team i guess. It is a great paint finish and the smooth Aluminium welds make the frame sleek and super smooth. It probably doesn't actually improve performance... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Good price, Good looking frame, Smooth disc brakes
Disadvantages: Front Suspension Fork is very poor, esp for off road use

.../cycling to work when everyone else sees sense! Right down to the specs of the bike, here they are Frame: Trek Alpha SL aluminium Forks: RST Gila T7 80mm travel with adjustable preload Gears: Shimano FD-C050 front and Shimano Alivio rear derailleurs Shifters: Shimano EF50 Chainset: SR CW7-XCT-T102 with 42s/34s/24s tooth chainrings Brakes: Tektro 845AL Wheels: Bontrager Camino rims built on Joytech front and Shimano RM60-8 rear hubs Bontrager Connection Trail Handlebars: Bontrager Crowbar Sport Stem: Bontrager Sport 25d Saddle: Bontrager Select ATB Seatpost: Bontrager Sport mm The only real downfall of the 4300 is the front suspension forks, these are of poor quality, if used in only moderate off road, its destined to break, I checked out forums before I purchased the bike, there were people who bought the bike after being away... Read review

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Advantages: Lightweight, good quality components
Disadvantages: A lot of money

...that when you slip off you get a nasty gash so that next time you’ll think twice about slipping off. -Wheels- Sun Black eye rims Shimano Deore 11-32 9speed Shimano Hubs Wheels. An essential part of the bicycle. A wheel is composed of a rim, spokes, a hub, an axle and a freewheel. The hub is the central part of the wheel that supports the spokes and houses the axle and freewheel. The spokes are fairly self explanatory, there are usually 28-32 of them and are 14g in weight each (15g for the front wheel). The axle is what the wheel spins around and is how it is attached to the frame. Most are quick-release these days which makes fixing a puncture in the middle of nowhere a little faster. The freewheel allows the rear wheel to spin whenever you are not pedalling. Old bmx’s didn’t have freewheels and you used your pedals as a brake... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful